Spreading the child protection message

The NSPCC Scotland’s Schools Service aims to protect children against all forms of abuse, bullying and neglect.
A team of local volunteers deliver the safety message locally and this is set to expand to cover even more youngsters across Dumfries and Galloway.
Service co-ordinator Anthony Brown said: “Every year over 4000 Scottish children under the age of 11 contact ChildLine and a third seek help concerned about bullying, physical and sexual abuse, so we know there is a need from younger children to know where to turn for support.
“We have found that children aren’t seeking help or telling anyone what’s happening until they are much older.”
He added: “Through assemblies and workshops we help children understand how they can keep themselves safe. We talk to them about what is and isn’t ok and encourage them to think about who to turn to, if they are worried about anything.
“The expansion means we are able to reach even younger children, all the children in the school will attend an assembly with pupils in P6 and P7 having an hour long follow-up workshop.”
The charity is now looking to recruit volunteers who believe in the empowerment and protection of children to deliver the service to schools.
Volunteers receive full training from the NSPCC and deliver two school visits a month.
To find out more, and sign up, go to nspcc.org.uk/volunteer.